Our annual Spring Bird count took place on June 4 2022. We observed 94 species and 10,484 birds. Our average is 93 species and 8,429 birds. Here are our notable findings:
Highs
- 19 Double-crested cormorants was the second highest ever. Our average is 5.
- 47 Great-blue herons. They continue to do well. This was our third highest total ever. Our average is 19.
- 144 Turkey vultures was the second highest total ever. Our average is 70.
- 20 Common mergansers were the highest total ever for the count. Our average is 3.
- 3 Ospreys were observed for the second year in a row. When will they start nesting locally?
- 6 Red-shouldered hawks were the second highest ever for the count. Our average is 1. One count week bird was missed on count day.
- 4 Bald eagles. Our average is 1.
- 2 Peregrine falcons. This species has been observed since 2014, with 1 to 4 birds being noted in those years.
- 15 Ruby-throated hummingbirds was our second highest total ever. Our average is 7.
- 223 Red-bellied woodpeckers was our third highest ever. Our average is 124.
- 110 Northern flickers is our third highest total ever. Our average is 71.
- 20 Pileated woodpeckers, our highest count ever. Emerald Ash-borer seems to be benefiting woodpeckers in general. Our average is 4.
- 50 Willow flycatchers. We have had 50 or higher for the past 3 years. Our average is 22.
- 73 Great crested flycatchers. Their counts have been consistently above average over the past 10 years. Our average is 42.
- 98 Eastern wood peewees. Our average is 62.
- 114 Warbling vireos, the highest total for the count. Our average is 39.
- 43 Fish crows, the highest total on the count. Our average is 11.
- 64 Eastern bluebirds is the highest count since 2013. Our average is 34.
- 12 Brown thrashers was our fourth highest since 2004. Our average is 9.
- 19 American redstarts are our third highest total since 2011. Our average is 9.
- 170 Common yellowthroats, the third highest total for the count. Our average is 126.
- 3 Yellow-breasted chats. Our average is 1.
- 176 Baltimore orioles was our highest total since 2013. Our average is 115.
Lows
- 93 Mallards is an uptick from 2021 but still below our average of 175.
- 1 American kestrel. Our average is 6.
- No ring-necked pheasants. This species has not been observed since 2008.
- 4 spotted sandpipers. This species has been in decline since 2006.
- 31 Rock doves was the lowest count since 1992. Our average is 77.
- 4 White-eyed vireos was our lowest count since 2008. Our average is 13.
- 140 American crows is the lowest since the West Nile years of 2004 and 2005. Our average is 216.
- 1 Purple martin. The original colony was traumatized from a past breeding season thunderstorm that lifted the apartment off its post. They have never returned to breed.
- 48 Carolina chickadees, the third lowest count ever. Our average is 125. It will be interesting to see if they bounce back from their 2019 low of 25.
- 69 Tufted titmouse is an increase from the low of 27 in 2019, but our second lowest count ever. Our average is 119.
- 68 Yellow warblers is a decrease from our average of 90. This is the lowest count since 2008.
- 21 Ovenbirds, which is down from 59 in 2021. Our average is 30. This may be a case of the birds being quiet in their breeding cycle on the date of the count.
- 66 Chipping sparrows. Our average is 74. While it doesn’t seem too big a difference, it is the lowest count since 2002. It will be interesting to see what next year holds.
- 1 Eastern meadowlark. Our average is 7.
- 1 Rose-breasted grosbeak. Our average is 6.
- 203 Common grackles; an uptick from 150 in 2021 but still below our average of 308. Our counts of this species have been below average since 2007.
Interesting Finds
- 1 Grasshopper sparrow
You can see the complete list here.
Our Christmas Bird Count is Saturday, December 24, 2022. Beginning birders are welcome to participate and will be assigned to a team with experienced members.
